GAS heating? Sounds old-fashioned in this age of microwave ovens, but there are many people who say gas is the energy needed for a more eco-friendly future. Gas heaters can be up to 30 percent cheaper than electrical alternatives. The by-products of gas heater - water vapour and carbon dioxide - are the same elements that humans exhale, which makes gas healthier than electrical heaters that dry out the air.

Serious chefs love cooking on gas because they can see what they're doing just by looking at the flame, and gas offers instant heat, reliably maintaining constant temperatures. Gas heaters are excellent at warming rooms through convection and radiant heat. They are also effective in geysers, the average household's biggest energy hog. The tankless gas geyser, which only heats water the moment it is required, offers households enormous savings. By using gas, you're doing the city's electricity grid a favour by relieving the load during winter months.

Gas was Johannesburg's original energy source, first distributed in June 1892, six years after the original "tent town" was founded. Today there are some 12 500 users of gas in Johannesburg who are served by 1 200 kilometres of gas pipeline.

Who runs Egoli Gas?

JOHANNESBURG'S municipality ran a gas department until August 2000, when it was one of several municipal services to be privatised. The company now known as Egoli Gas made a commitment to invest heavily into the gas infrastructure. With such big plans there is certainly a good case to make the change to gas.

EGOLI GAS has an emergency number that operates 24 hours a day: 726-4702. Additional contact numbers are:

Technical support
726-3138

Customer Care Centre
726-1610

Inquiries regarding new gas supplies should be made at the Distribution Centre, Egoli Gas, Annet Road, Cottesloe. Provided there are two gas mains in the vicinity of your home, a quotation will be given and the service installed. Gas main extensions will also be considered, depending on anticipated consumption.

For a new gas service or alterations to an existing service, application must be made to:

Egoli Gas
PO Box 3112
Johannesburg 2000
Or telephone 726-3138
Or apply in person at
Annet Road, Cottesloe.

How to find Egoli Gas

Visit the official Egoli Gas web site. An online meter reading facility is available.

Applications for a gas connection

ENQUIRIES regarding new gas supplies should be made at the Distribution Centre, Egoli Gas, Annet Road, Cottesloe.

Provided that there are two gas mains in the vicinity of your home, a quotation will be given and the service installed. Gas main extensions will also be considered, depending on anticipated consumption.

For a new gas service or alterations to an existing service, application must be made to:

Egoli Gas
Private Bag X10
Auckland Park
2006

Or telephone 011 726 3138

Or apply in person at 1 Annet Road, Cottesloe